Note: This is the report for the FFS Euro 2012 award only; there is a separate report for the FFS Friendly World Cup!

It is a shame to start a column with the word “sadly”, but sadly the failure of the Irish and Italians to keep clean sheets disappointed most of our brave managers on Day 3 – although of course the teams did so in rather different ways. While an Italian did score it was not Antonio Cassano, as another brave Doosra punt went unrewarded. However, as you doubtless will have heard there was a goal from a most unexpected Irishman – St Ledger tremendously bagged a header on his way to an 8 point haul. His owners were Isacki and Ginkapo – with the word on the street that Ginkapo captained him. I know I didn’t! If he did captain him then Ginkapo is the current frontrunner for this Matchday’s award. Credit also to Daniel and ENR who owned Aiden McGeady – he took 4 points from the match with the assist for St Ledger’s header.

So here comes Day 4 of Matchday 1 and the last chance to prove one’s valour. Ukraine and Sweden have provided the chance for a few differentials, mainly in attack. Ukrainian midfielder Yarmolenko (4.4%) was tipped by a few on FFS boards, though his subsequent bout of food poisoning and injury worries put many off. Gallantly undeterred, Jonty has stuck with him to spring a surprise against Sweden. Seen by many as the “cheaper Yarmolenko”, and owned by even fewer, Konoplyanka (0.9%) was an extremely late Ukrainian midfield tip on the FFS boards and has been taken up by Billy Ketsu, Isacki and The Light Knight. Looking to the Swedish, Drinky has taken up unfancied Swedish keeper Isaksson (4.5%), while China Mag and SuperDunny have made the valorous pick of midfielder-slash-tree Elm (2.6%), who is largely unheard of to FFScouters. Finally, The Light Knight produced a pick out of nowhere – bravely spurning the open arms of Zlatan to take Swedish forward Toivonen (1.2%)

We also take note of two picks that have flown under the FFS radar somewhat: Mark patriotically plumped for Lescott (8.5%) while Milanista, in keeping with an attitude more representative of the English people, went for Nasri (6.3%).

This is the final report of Matchday 1. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the FFS Euro 2012 Matchday 1 Order of Extreme Valour after Day 4′s action finishes!